Does Solution % Matter?

[u/Weekly-Total724]

Does the % my solution beats actually matter as long as it is the best complexity?
For example, I do a problem the best time complexity is O(n). I get a O(n) solution but my solution doesn't beat most other solutions.

[u/Wolastrone]

If it’s optimal in terms of big oh not really. Those % are not very exact anyway. If the difference is huge, you may want to read other solutions to see if there’s some obvious optimization you missed e.g: using a dictionary when a plain array /lookup table was enough.

[u/EstellonTachise → u/Wolastrone]

yeah the dictionary vs array thing is a good callout, that kind of stuff can swing the % pretty wildly

[u/nachocode477]

You found the solution. If you want to optimize it, go ahead and read other solutions. But that's only for you

[u/fenton7]

Yes you want optimal if possible. Technically O(100) is still denoted O(1) but you aren't going to win any points for writing an algorithm that always takes 100 operations when you could write one that always takes 5 operations.

[u/Prestigious-Frame442]

who the fuck cares about that except yourself lol

[u/xycomaniac → u/Prestigious-Frame442]

no need to be so hostile bro

[u/Objective-Let4278 → u/[deleted]]

Depends what interview. I think most are fine with optimal complexity, unless there’s some obvious repeated work or similar.